Clapper valve

Abstract

A valve assembly adapted for use in oil and gas operations. In one aspect, the valve assembly includes a valve body defining an internal region, an inlet passageway, and an outlet passageway, the inlet and outlet passageways extending into the internal region; a valve seat connected to the valve body and defining a fluid passageway; a clapper extending within the internal region and defining an annular groove; and a seal extending within the annular groove of the clapper and adapted to sealingly engage the valve seat. In an example embodiment, the clapper is actuable between an open configuration, in which fluid flow is permitted through the fluid passageway; and a closed configuration, in which the seal sealingly engages the valve seat to at least partially restrict fluid flow through the fluid passageway.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of the filing date of, and priority to, U.S. Application No. 62 / 294,019, filed Feb. 11, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present disclosure relates in general to valves and, in particular, to clapper valves used in oil or gas operations.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0003]In oil or gas operations, such as, for example, the fracturing or gravel packing of a subterranean wellbore, a clapper valve may be used to control the flow of fracturing and / or gravel-packing fluids. A clapper valve permits fluid flow in a first direction, but prevents, or at least reduces, fluid flow in a second direction, which is generally opposite the first direction. Any vibration caused by, for example, turbulence in the flow of fluid through the clapper valve, often produces significant wear to the internal components of the clapper valve. Moreover, the effect...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The design effectively restricts fluid flow in the opposite direction, reduces wear, and enhances the longevity of the clapper valve by minimizing vibration and ensuring proper alignment and engagement, thereby improving operational reliability.

Problems solved by technology

Any vibration caused by, for example, turbulence in the flow of fluid through the clapper valve, often produces significant wear to the internal components of the clapper valve.

Moreover, the effectiveness of the clapper valve in preventing, or at least reducing, fluid flow in the second direction is often diminished as a result of improper alignment and / or excessive loading of the internal components of the clapper valve.

Such issues typically cause premature deterioration of the clapper valve.

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